Writing, Reflecting, Teaching, Parenting

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been a contributor to the Joy Nutritionals lifestyle blog. From healthy eating tips to fitness essentials, you can learn more about how to boost your energy levels, as well as information about the supplements available from this company.

Over the holiday break, my husband and I were discussing how busy and chaotic our schedules were in 2018. While we both work from home at times and are ‘physically’ in each other’s presences more than most couples, we realized that we didn’t necessarily have enough ‘quality’ time together.

We have different interests, we like different television shows and we are on the opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to tastes in movies and outdoor activities. We racked our brains for something we could share together – beyond our faith. And, we decided on a puzzle. Continue reading →

It’s no secret that the chemicals in plastic are harmful for the environment and your family’s health. If your quest is to live a more sustainable lifestyle or even join the efforts of the Plastic Free July Foundation to jumpstart your efforts, the kitchen is the best place to start.

Learn how you can swap out plastics with these seven eco-friendly options by reading the rest of the article here.

While it makes me feel just a little bit old when I think or talk about the good ‘ole days before the Internet, computers, iPads or cell phones, I do have so many memories that included quality time with my family, my sisters and my cousins.

The dinner table was for just that – dinner. It didn’t include any of us checking text messages or scrolling through social media. Times have changed, though, and my children were born into an era that consisted of emerging technologies. Technology has transformed and simplified how we work and how we live, and for that I’m grateful. I’m able to look up some of my favorite Bible passages just by calling out for Alexa or Siri. I’m able to read inspirational articles without having to go to the bookstore or the library. Continue reading →

Shannon Philpott-Sanders, author of Screen-Free Fun, will join the John Carney Show today between 1-3 p.m. on KTRS 550 AM in the St. Louis area. You can tune in live at this link or check out the show after the broadcast on the station’s website.

I’ve always been a dreamer, but a meticulous one. Although on the outside (and in my home of seven), you may not always see that I’m organized, but I believe that dreaming and planning go hand in hand.

Recently, I came across the phrase: “Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do.” It struck me as something very fitting for my home office, so when attending one of those Brushes and Boards party, I made a wood sign with this exact phrase.

Every day when I’m working from my home office, I look up at this sign for motivation, especially when procrastination takes over. My children have walked through my office and noticed it, too. It truly defines how I feel about dreams and what I want my children to know. Continue reading →

I’m so pleased to announce the launch of my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family.” The book is now available in local/national bookstores or on Amazon.

Book Overview: Fight back against boredom and keep your kids busy and entertained—without staring at a screen—with this handy collection of family activities ranging from DIY projects to outdoor adventures to easy day trips.

While technology often offers a quick and easy parenting solution to keep children entertained, too much screen time can negatively affect developmental and social skills, and even lead back to the original problem—boredom.

Screen-Free Fun offers over 400 ideas to disconnect from tech devices and reconnect with our families in a healthier way. You and your child can pick from DIY activities to games to weekend outings. Since many of the activities work well for kids at various ages, your family will be able to grow along with the different projects and make plans for both younger and older siblings alike. You can try indoor projects like homemade slime, outdoor activities like building a fort, or learn more about your favorite destinations with activities like a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood or an i-spy game at the zoo. There is also space for your family to add your own favorite activities so you never forget a great idea or memory! From summer vacation to holiday breaks and every rainy day in between, with this book you and your family will always have something fun to do together—without ever having to resort to a tablet, phone, or computer.

While many friendships do not stand the test of time, Marlene Fridley, a parishioner at St. George in New Baden, knows the exception. Fridley forged a friendship 64 years ago with Hawaii-native Theresa Silva, a friendship she credits to a nun at her elementary school in McCartyville, Ohio.

As a third grader, Fridley said she was eager to take part in the school’s pen pal program. It wasn’t until summer break neared that she connected with Silva, though. The two were paired together to write letters over the summer. “I remember her address to this day,” said Fridley, while leafing through a photo album of her recent visit with Silva’s family in Hawaii. Continue reading →

About Me

Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.

Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!